FISHING has a bright future, but only if more young people get involved, says a veteran.
David Stevens is upbeat about the industry's future and has urged others not to be disheartened by the bleak economic climate.
But he has warned that fishermen must be prepared to invest for future generations.
"The biggest problem we have got is not the quota, it is not the fish; it is the lack of young people coming into the job," he told The Cornishman. "I would like to see more young people coming into the industry.
"We have got a nucleus of good, young skippers and we would like to build on that and invest in the future."
The 60-year-old has fished from Newlyn for decades and now his two sons, David and Alec, are part of the family business aboard the Crystal Sea.
"I think fishing has got a good future but it depends how dedicated we are to the job," said Mr Stevens, who now runs the shore-based operations.
"As a family, we are totally dedicated. Three years ago, we invested heavily in a new boat and she proved to us that she can do the job."
He believes Newlyn needs an influx of new fishermen to keep the industry alive and boost investment. But with conditions not appealing to the younger generation, those currently fishing must be prepared to keep putting money back in.
"In all this recession, we have not had one person ask us for a job," he said. "People have wandered away from fishing because they don't want to go out there for a week at a time.
"I would like to see more investment to take Newlyn forward; for young people to invest in quotas and to get themselves new boats.
"We have to get rid of this air of despondency that has hung around Newlyn."
Aboard the Crystal Sea, a 20m trawler, brothers David and Alec are joined by three Latvian nationals and another man from Newcastle.
The boat sails from Newlyn but sells her catch at Plymouth where, according to Mr Stevens, they get a more competitive rate.
"Newlyn has not got an internet auction, that is one thing that could improve the port," he said.
"The other big issue is mileage; Plymouth is central, close to the roads. If there is anybody buying fish, they can buy it that morning and have it delivered to the outskirts of London that afternoon."
He is critical of the national media and says the industry has been given an undeserved reputation for over-fishing. And he praised his fellow fishermen for working hard to earn the area a good reputation when it comes to sustainable fishing.
"The way we fish is on a sustainable basis," he stressed. "We have got to think about making money, but we have also got to think about the future. The fishing industry has been badly painted in the national media for being destructive."
He cautioned against letting spending take a back seat in lean times. "To go forward, we have got to heavily invest," said Mr Stevens. "Our boat has proved that the investment was well worth it."
article copyright THE CORNISHMAN